High quality, accurate results are fundamental elements of the hemodialysis access evaluation. A combination of indirect and direct exam components is the foundation for maximizing exam quality and accuracy.
- Indirect exam components include:
- Pre-exam activities: obtaining previous exam data, initiating exam worksheet and paperwork, equipment and exam room preparation, patient assessment and positioning, and patient communication
- Post-exam activities: exam room cleanup, compiling and processing exam data for preliminary and/or formal interpretation, and exam billing activities.
- Direct exam components include:
- Equipment optimization and the actual hands-on, examination process
- While study times may vary depending on testing protocols, patient condition, and clinical complexity of the evaluation being performed, these are the times necessary to provide a quality diagnostic evaluation. Listed are the recommended examination times for performing each CPT related to this guideline, which were derived from the direct time inputs from the Resource Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS).